News Brief: Tuesday, June 8, 2010

A Father's Day picnic, Flag Day and flag retirement ceremonies have been slated for Recreation Area No. 1 at Hualapia Mountain Park on Sunday, June 20, and are being hosted by the Kingman Elks Lodge No. 468. Both the picnic and flag ceremonies are open to the general public.

Father's Day is a day of commemoration and celebration of your dad. It is a day to not only honor your father but all men who have acted as a "father figure" in your life - whether as stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers or "big brothers." What better way to celebrate the male figure in your life than to spend the day picnicking with him and your family.

The reason for flag retirement ceremonies also being conducted during the day's festivities is because when an American flag becomes torn, tattered, faded or worn out, it is time for it to be retired. Flying such a flag is disrespectful and one cannot simply throw a flag in the trash; it should be properly disposed of. You have a few options for proper disposal in order to meet the U.S. Flag Code, which states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." You can turn your tattered flag over to a fraternal organization for a proper disposal, or better yet, head up to Hualapai Mountain Park on June 20 and participate in the flag retirement ceremony being hosted by the Elks.

There will be food catered by Porky's Pit BBQ, beverages, games and fun during the picnic that begins at 11 a.m. Events scheduled include softball, volleyball and other games for kids.

Cost of the Father's Day picnic is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 and includes admission to the park.

Tickets are available by calling Mohave County Supervisor Gary Watson at (928) 753-0722, by stopping by the Elks Lodge at 900 Gates Ave., calling the Elks Social Quarters at (928) 753-2547 or at the park the day of the picnic.